The fossil collections of the Dipartimento di Scienze della Terra 'Ardito Desio' move their steps into the virtual world of palaeontology

The palaeontological collections of the Department of Earth Sciences 'Ardito Desio', University of Milan, are the result of years of field research carried on by national and international palaeontologists and geologists who have worked and collaborated within the University. The collections also include the historical heritage of fossils collected by the pioneers in the field of palaeontology during the early 20th century. It currently includes more than 12000 catalogue numbers, corresponding to several thousands of specimens of fossil invertebrates and vertebrates, ranging in age from the Palaeozoic to the Quaternary. Through the use of virtual palaeontology methodologies, which have been already implemented in several national and international museums, we present a novel way to guarantee access, preservation and enhancement of the palaeontological heritage stored within the collections of the University of Milan. The employment of portable 3D scanners to acquire surface data, together with clinical and high-resolution CT- scanners will allow to realise a digital database where all specimen information, such as taxonomy, provenance and age, along with high-resolution 3D digital copies can be stored and easily shared for research and comparison purposes. In addition, the use of these methodologies will allow the development of new approaches to the study of fossil vertebrates and macroinvertebrates, including in-depth non-destructive fossil investigations of specimens still embedded within the matrix, or the detailed study of highly mineralised tissues that can be useful to reconstruct the palaeobiological and palaeoecological traits of extinct organisms, along with a detailed examination of frail and poorly-preserved fossil specimens.